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Overview

Numerous world vacation spots outside of the United States offer you a chance to explore the natural beauty of far-away lands, learn about foreign cultures and traditions, and experience native dining options that may become your own recipe staples when you arrive back home. However, before you book the trip of your lifetime outside the States, take the time to learn all you can about the country&rsquo;s laws, accepted codes of conduct and how to protect yourself from crime while you are away. Also, register your trip with the Department of State to ensure that you can be contacted if emergencies arise while you are away and to more easily get help if a crisis develops during your vacation stay.

Treetops Lodge and Estate

Treetops Lodge and Estate, in Rotorua, New Zealand, is a secluded resort nestled within 2,500 acres of native forests that offer seven trout streams, four lakes, a game reserve and 43 miles of hiking trails. Ranked by "Travel + Leisure" as one of the top 25 hotels of 2009, the lodge boasts guest rooms that feature fully-equipped kitchens, separate living and dining areas and private villas that offer fireplaces, whirlpool baths and forest views. The lodge offers gourmet, New Zealand-style dinners served privately in the estate&rsquo;s library upon your request, or you may dine with other guests in the main dining room. The estate&rsquo;s on-site activities include kayaking, horseback riding, bird-watching, guided nature trail safaris and aerial helicopter tours. You can also venture out of the resort to golf, big-game fish, visit nearby Tongariro National Park or one of the beaches along the Bay of Plenty. Treetops Lodge and Estate also offers one-day wild-food cooking demonstrations, and children&rsquo;s activities that include supervised forest picnics, pumice stone carvings and treasure hunts. Treetops Lodge and Estate 351 Kearoa Road RD1, Horohoro Rotorua New Zealand 011-64-7-333-2066 treetops.co.nz

The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong&rsquo;s luxurious guest rooms and suites offer amenities such as flat-screen televisions, signature spa-quality toiletries, marble countertops, panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, multi-function bedside control panels and daily fruit baskets. The hotel also offers an on-site spa that combines European, Ayurvedic, or traditional East Indian, and Oriental massage techniques and a state-of-the-art fitness center that features strength training and cardiovascular equipment, as well as an indoor pool, steam room and sauna. The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong offers several fine-dining options, including French, classic Cantonese, and modern Japanese, as well as casual dining options either pool side or at one of the hotel&rsquo;s on-site bar and grills. The hotel also offers five luxurious meeting rooms for weddings, business gatherings and parties. The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong Salisbury Road Kowlon, Hong Kong, SAR China 011-852-2920-2888 peninsula.com

Adam and Eve Turkey

The Adam and Eve Turkey resort, on Turkey&rsquo;s Mediterranean coast, assigns an &ldquo;angel&rdquo; staff member to you upon your arrival that can make any arrangements you may need, including childcare, special events or restaurant or spa reservations. The resort boasts villas and suites that feature amenities such as floor-to-ceiling windows, Jacuzzis, steam showers, 42-inch plasma televisions and mirrored walls. Adam and Eve Turkey boasts nine restaurants, including a Japanese-themed, Italian-themed and buffet-style restaurant. The resort also houses seven swimming pools, two movie theaters, numerous sea-side lounging pavilions and a spa that features Turkish baths, Russian saunas and an aroma inhalation cabinet. Adam and Eve Turkey Belek-Antalya, Turkey 011-90-242-444-0596 adamevehotels.com